The Michael Schumacher track replaced by an open-pit mine

This is the paradox of Germany’s decision to immediately phase out nuclear energy. As alternative energies like solar or wind are not yet able to provide the necessary power, Germany is forced to use much more polluting solutions, such as coal. Western Germany has thus been the main source of coal since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

It is precisely in this region that the small town of Kerpen and its karting track are located. Both were put on the global motorsports map with the career of Michael Schumacher, who made his debut there. It is now an entire complex that pays tribute to the champion, especially since his dramatic accident during the Christmas holidays four years ago.

His brother Ralf thus confirmed that the track should close its doors on October 31, 2020, to make way for the open-cast lignite mine that energy company RWE will open. While he obviously regrets the end of this era, he also considers the numerous jobs that the new activity will bring to the region.

But Reiner Feinling, the president of the German star’s fan club, does not refrain from criticizing the municipality, which does not seem to be making any particular effort to find a new solution for the local club: « RWE signed the contracts 40 years ago, as the go-kart track operator and the city of Kerpen knew. Michael Schumacher took care early on to find a new location at Sophienhoehe. Unfortunately, he was seriously injured at the end of 2013. Previously, the city basked in his glory but then never worked for a new go-kart track in the city. »

In the meantime, the club must find a new location or risk being forced to disappear, as acknowledged by Gerhard Noack, the club’s president: « The financial compensation from RWE doesn’t solve anything. We need a karting track. Without it, there is no club. »

With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr